In recent years, spray foam has proven to be a great insulating agent for homes. Like a multipurpose sealant, spray foams also belong to the category of practical repair and renovation tools, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who enjoy DIY projects. However, getting spray foam insulation done is a precision-based exercise, which is why one may make certain mistakes while doing it without professional assistance. Here are some spray foam insulation mistakes one must avoid: Neglecting proper ventilation Spray foam insulation tends to be half-baked unless proper ventilation is put in place to sort out certain issues. For example, without proper ventilation, the trapped air in the spray foam insulation layer leads to moisture buildup and condensation. These two problems lead to worse issues like mold growth on the wall and other surfaces where this insulation layer is applied. Mold growth not only compromises the insulation but is also incredibly unhygienic and can cause health issues for the occupants living or working in such a property. Heating the canisters too much Many people who apply spray foam insulation on their own believe that high temperatures on the canister will speed up the application process. However, this is a wrong notion. One must not heat the canisters beyond 100 degrees as that creates a risk of the canisters blowing off their caps and causing a huge, foam-filled mess all around. Ideally, the canister should be at room temperature when spraying it. If the insulation foam is being used in a place with cold temperatures, then one can use water tubs and multiple canisters to keep the foam from freezing. Using incorrect thickness Spray foam insulation works best when the person applying it uses the correct amount of material to create a thick insulation layer. Finding the right balance is key, as applying too little will lead to inadequate insulation (and creates air gaps and air seals), while spraying too much wastes resources and unnecessarily increases costs.

Today, because of the internet and plumbing tools that are easy to use, DIY plumbing has become a popular option for homemakers. Along with fixing problems like leakages, plumbing also involves identifying any issues in pipes, water tanks, taps, faucets, etc., every now and then and looking for suitable solutions. Although time-consuming at times, DIY plumbing can also be a fun-filled and cost-saving experience. But here are some plumbing mistakes DIYers should avoid: Using excessive amounts of liquid drain cleaners Many beginners in plumbing use large quantities of liquid drain cleaners to unclog sinks and kitchen drains. However, liquid drain cleaning may lead to several problems in the long run. For example, even after the drain is rinsed with water, some of the solution may remain in the pipes and can cause damage. So, it is always safe to replace liquid drain cleaners with plungers or natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar. Not checking the toilet and sink for leaks regularly Even minute leakages can start posing major issues later on, so regularly checking the toilet and sink for leakages is essential to prevent the problems from escalating. One should set up a schedule to examine the drainage systems, taps, faucets, etc., at least once every month to detect problems early on and fix them promptly. Fixing tubes and fittings too tight Tightening tubes, fittings, pipes, etc. too much can cause the fitting to develop cracks, leading to potential leakages and plumbing issues. These cracks may not be visible immediately, but they begin to appear eventually and can break and leak. Also, tightening closet bolts in the toilet can crack its porcelain. So, one should be careful not to tighten any of the tubes, pipes, or fittings too hard. Not researching what tools are required Tools are a plumbing DIYer’s best companions because they make this process incredibly easy and efficient.

Studies suggest nine out of ten people check online business reviews before engaging with the brand. This number alone points to the importance of online reputation management (ORM), which establishes and maintains a positive impression of one’s business. However, many mistakes could be made here, costing them their existing and new customers. Here are a few such mistakes businesses make and strategies to avoid them: 1. Staying away from social media Often, those with small to medium businesses do not see the value of social media, causing them to stay away from it. This can be one of their biggest mistakes, especially when managing their online reputation. Although it consumes a fair amount of time, energy, and resources, social media gives one a platform to engage with customers, assist them, and clear any misunderstandings. This is a great trust-building tool that can also help ensure repeat business. 2. Not working with an online reputation management strategy Another misconception many people have is that good work automatically translates into good reviews online. While it is important to maintain the quality of goods and services, this alone is not enough. Businesses must work wisely to develop online reputation management strategies with their social media policies. This can help them create a better impression on new and existing customers. 3. Ignoring negative feedback Negative reviews can be harrowing. This often makes people not want to reply to them or simply delete them. This can be dangerous for one’s ORM. Ignoring or deleting these messages does not make the feedback go away. Instead, it creates an aura of distrust and can leave customers feeling unheard or angry. The solution to this is simple. Always respond to negative messages or reviews professionally and promptly. Apologize for any errors that may have occurred and offer an amenable solution to rectify the situation.

Skid-steer vehicles are compact machines used for various tasks like lifting trees into landscaping sites, scooping out farm manure, and moving payloads of rocks, manure, and soil from one place to another. Their small size and versatility are useful for many farming and landscape activities. However, these vehicles must be operated with caution as it may lead to accidents otherwise. Here are some details related to skid-steer safety during farming and landscaping activities: Skid-steer safety hazards Using skid-steer vehicles in farms and landscape zones can result in a host of hazards. Some such hazards to watch out for include: Rollovers Tip-overs or rollovers are caused when skid-steer systems are overloaded with soil, manure, crops, or other things. Overloading the machine can make it unstable, resulting in fatal issues for skid-steer users as well as pedestrians. In addition to injuries and fatalities, rollovers also cause damage to farms, crops, and landscape structures. Being struck by falling materials Due to improper loading, there is always a distinct possibility of the things carried by a skid-steer falling on the machine operator. This can cause injuries to the operators, which, in many cases, can also be life-threatening in nature. Special precautions need to be taken to prevent this possibility. Hydraulic system-related safety issues The hydraulic system pressure can cause issues such as pin-hole leaks in the vehicle. This can cause injuries to people if they use their hands to search for the leak and other issues. The hydraulic system pressure tends to be in the range of 2000 pounds per square inch (psi). At such high pressures, it is likely for injuries and fatalities to inevitably occur if the machine operator is not careful. Slips and trips Falls and slips are another common accident that may occur if skid-steers aren’t used properly. If the floor or other areas of the vehicle are greasy and have a dirt build-up, one may slip while trying to get into the vehicle.

Wristbands or bracelets are the perfect tools for managing access to events like fairs, seminars, festivals, or concerts. The wristbands help organizers oversee admission to these events and also identify and distinguish between different types of participants. What’s more? Organizers get to advertise their event through dedicated event bracelets and wristbands. So, here is a brief guide to the common types of event wristbands and factors to consider while choosing one: Vinyl wristbands Also called plastic wristbands or bracelets, vinyl wristbands usually come with single-use snap closures. They are completely waterproof and do not tear easily, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor events, as sweat or humidity will not damage them. Vinyl wristbands are also extremely customizable, so organizers can order these in a bunch of different colors to easily distinguish between different types of attendees. However, the bands and their straps are only made for one-time use, making them suitable only for single-day events. Tyvek bands Tyvek® wristbands are also single-use bands but are typically equipped with adhesive closures. So once tied, these bands can only be removed by cutting them, which prevents them from being transferred or reused. This helps organizers have better security and admission control for the event. Tyvek® is a paper-like material, so it is extremely light and comfortable to wear and, at the same time, tear-resistant. Moreover, Tyvek® wristbands are affordable and customizable, so single-day event organizers can order these bands in bulk if they are expecting a large number of people to attend. Silicone bands These are among the most durable event wristbands. Silicone itself is highly flexible and comfortable to wear. Moreover, the material is highly resistant to water, so the band is unlikely to be damaged easily. What’s more? Silicone bands are typically not intended for one-time use, so they can be removed and re-worn multiple times.

Carpets can become breeding grounds for dust particles if not cleaned regularly. And that’s why home cleaning is not complete without cleaning the carpet. Fortunately, carpet cleaning is quite an easy task if one remembers to follow some hacks and strategies and take care of it. What a carpet needs most is gentle handling, mild products, and consistent cleaning. In addition, here are some mistakes one should avoid while cleaning carpets: Scrubbing the carpet Most people think of scrubbing as the right solution to removing stains. But when it comes to carpets, scrubbing can actually cause a lot of damage, especially if the scrub has hard bristles. The fibers of a carpet tend to get displaced when it is scrubbed. Also, scrubbing only pushes the dirt further inside the carpet, worsening the situation. A better alternative is to blot stains using a sponge or cloth and consult a professional if the stain still persists. Not treating stains proactively If a stain is left unattended for too long on a carpet, it tends to form lumps and settle between the carpet’s fibers. So, it can become even more difficult to be removed after a point. The best way to avoid this situation is to blot stains proactively, not letting them settle or make their way deeper into the fabric. Also, one should check the carpet regularly for any stains that may have gone unnoticed so far. Using a cleaning product without doing a spot test There is no fixed formula when it comes to using cleaning products on carpets – different cleaning products may work well for different carpets depending on the carpet’s material, how much dust and dirt has accumulated on it, etc. A carpet can get severely damaged if the wrong solution is used. The most effective strategy to determine what cleaning products are best for a carpet is to do a spot test.

One may not be worried about always having ice at home, and an ice tray or two is probably enough on most days. But, for restaurants and other hospitality establishments, ice is a daily necessity that supports many basic tasks, making ice machines a must-have. If one is considering upgrading to a new ice machine or is buying one for the first time, they should avoid the following mistakes to make an informed purchase: 1. Ignoring plumbing compatibility To function well and pump out ice at regular intervals, ice machines require a steady stream of water. This is made possible by directing the restaurant’s plumbing system. When buying an ice machine for an establishment, one must pay close attention to the plumbing system and pick a compatible option. Some aspects to consider include the location of the floor drain, the inlet and outlet valves, and local building codes. 2. Choosing the wrong type There are various types of ice machines, all serving the same function—to produce ice quickly without too much of a hassle. However, they can differ in their delivery systems and placement, catering to different needs. Based on the placement, one can choose from the following types: Undercounter commercial ice machines: As the name suggests, these machines are placed under the counter and can make hundreds of pounds of ice per day. Undercounter machines are suitable for restaurants, bars, and hotels, as they do not take up any valuable counter space. Countertop commercial ice makers: For smaller establishments such as cafes, kiosks, and diners, countertop commercial ice makers may be a better option. The machines tend to be smaller in size and can also produce anywhere between 300-400 pounds of ice per day. Modular commercial ice machines: These are also known as ice machine heads, and they are generally placed above the ice bin.

Cleaning the house is a task that can not be overlooked. However, it is not easy or even possible for everyone to dust, vacuum, and scrub the house after a tough week at work. This is what makes cleaning service companies such a blessing. One can simply hire a professional to clean the house. To make it even simpler, here are a few important tips to find a good house cleaning service. 1. Determine the type of cleaning required Before approaching cleaning services, one should determine what kind of cleaning service one needs. For instance, one can choose either of the following cleaning services: Regular cleaning – Regular cleaning service is the one that individuals would require once every week or every month – basically, at regular intervals. Seasonal cleaning – Seasonal cleaning services are carried out once every season, meaning the individuals would get four cleaning services per year. Cleaning for special occasions – This cleaning service is the one that individuals can hire when they have special events or parties coming up. Cleaning during moving in or moving out – Individuals can also call for cleaning services when they move out of a house or into a new one. It is important for people to choose one of these cleaning services, as based on that they will be presented with a quote and charges by the cleaning company. 2. Get recommendations from friends and family The easiest way to find a good house cleaning company is to seek recommendations from friends and family who live in the vicinity. If they have tried using cleaning services or continue to do so, they can direct one to a good cleaning company. Plus, since the recommendation comes from a close one, the individual can also get honest insights about the company’s services.

Moving out of one’s home is as scary as it is exciting. Not only does this come with the sweet promise of a fresh start, but it also brings new opportunities. However, with real estate prices constantly increasing, finding a new apartment with an affordable rent can quickly become a headache. To help tenants find their way through the rental market, here are 13 tips to find cheap apartments for rent. 1. Study the local market One of the most handy tips for negotiating rent is to study the local market. Check the accommodations in the area and see how much they cost. Cross-analyze this with the amount the landlord is asking for to work out a cheaper rent. In areas with high vacancy rates, this can be a great way to find a cheaper apartment. 2. Rent in the right season A lot of people move during the summer months, generally due to university requirements. This can shoot up the rent during this season. This demand tends to die down around December and January, which can give tenants a chance to negotiate better rental rates for their apartments. 3. Check out the competition Don’t rush to lease the first apartment. This is especially important for those who plan on living in the area for a longer while. Speak to the locals and ask them about any vacancies. Visit lease offices and check out their offerings. They may have offers called ‘lease-ups’ in newer apartment complexes, where one can score incentives such as a free month of rent, parking spot, storage, or even an application fee waiver. 4. Ask for discounts, if any Some landlords may be looking for tenants for a longer term. To aid this process, they may be willing to offer discounts on long-term leases. Be proactive and ask them for such discounts before signing a lease.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 30 to 40% of the food supply is tossed away as food waste. Such wastage can easily be avoided by preventing food spoilage. To do this, food needs to be either stored better or consumed in a judicious manner. So, to help keep food fresh for longer and avoid throwing it away, here are a few ways to handle food and leftovers: 1. Ensure optimal storage environment When stored incorrectly, say at the wrong temperature, food can get spoiled quickly. Even when placing food in the fridge, there are a few steps to take. For instance, according to the USDA, the right temperature inside the fridge should be at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer temperature should be 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that can encourage food spoilage. Further, the temperature indicated on the fridge might not be accurate, so experts suggest using an appliance thermometer to get the right reading. 2. Seal food in airtight containers Using resealable containers and bags here is an easy and environmentally friendly way to store food when compared to single-use containers. When meal-prepping or storing leftovers, one should avoid leaving them exposed to air and moisture, even inside the fridge, as this encourages bacterial growth in the food. Using airtight resealable packaging like silicon bags or glass containers is a great way to keep food it fresh for longer. Another tip is to use transparent containers so one does not have to keep opening the containers to check what’s inside. This lets air into the food. 3. Freeze fresh produce This is a great way to avoid throwing out veggies and fruits that get spoiled in the fridge. Frozen produce has just as much nutritional value as fresh produce. Plus, it lasts very long.